The Hurricanes are without one of their top pairing defensemen and biggest minute eaters. Pitkanen played the second most on the team: averaging 22:49 per game. The Hurricanes might look at UFA Ron Hainsey to fill the void or even trade for RFA Cody Franson according to Bob McKenzie.

It is extremely unfortunate for Pitkanen’s season to end, let alone possibly his career, on a race for a delayed icing call. We hope for a fast recover from Pitkanen and hope to see him back with the Canes in 2014-2015.